What is MDT (FiveM): In-Game Police Computer Systems

MDT systems in FiveM are interactive interfaces that simulate law enforcement computer terminals, enabling players to access criminal databases, file reports, and manage emergency service operations within roleplay servers.

Technical Architecture

MDTs typically use one of three implementation approaches:

1. NUI (CEF) Based - Most Common

-- Client-side NUI trigger example
RegisterCommand('mdt', function()
    SetNuiFocus(true, true)
    SendNUIMessage({
        type = 'open',
        officer = GetPlayerName(PlayerId()),
        badge = GetPlayerServerId(PlayerId())
    })
end)

-- Server-side database query
RegisterServerEvent('mdt:searchPerson')
AddEventHandler('mdt:searchPerson', function(firstname, lastname)
    MySQL.Async.fetchAll('SELECT * FROM users WHERE firstname = @first AND lastname = @last', {
        ['@first'] = firstname,
        ['@last'] = lastname
    }, function(result)
        TriggerClientEvent('mdt:returnSearch', source, result)
    end)
end)

2. External Web Application

• Standalone web app (React/Vue.js)
• Communicates via REST API or WebSockets
• Example endpoint structure:

// API endpoint example
app.post('/api/mdt/warrant/create', authenticate, (req, res) => {
    const { suspect_id, charges, issuing_officer } = req.body;
    // Database insertion logic
});

3. In-Game Tablet Resource

• Uses FiveM's tablet prop with custom UI
• More immersive but performance-intensive

Core Features Implementation

Database Schema Example:

CREATE TABLE mdt_reports (
    id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    incident_id VARCHAR(10) UNIQUE,
    reporting_officer INT,
    suspects TEXT,
    charges TEXT,
    evidence TEXT,
    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT